Darlaine Mae Caraisco

Ms. Caraisco was the fourth runner up at the 2008 NGSA games, thereby surprising her entire family with even a glimmer of athletic prowess. Darlaine Caraisco passed early Wednesday morning after a long battle with Parkinson’s, Dementia, and men generally.

Ms. Caraisco passed after being cared for by her daughter, Kim Smith, family, extended family, neighbors, college students, and anyone who could spare a moment really. Parkinson's and Dementia are hard, and the family is grateful beyond words for the support given by many over many years.

Darlaine was especially proud to be a petite size small with a full closet of curated outfits. She thereby left no personal property of any use to her more medium sized daughter. After a childhood spent hustling Nordstrom bags past Darlaine’s now ex-husbands, Kim saddened her very little by this.

Darlaine was known for dispensing pearls of wisdom. Some of this wisdom was hard earned. Dementia loosened her lips, so if you don’t know the stories, it’s your fault not hers. Most recently, Darlaine enjoyed Monster Pops, ice cream with no nuts and chocolate. She had given up on men.

Darlaine was a long-time participant in activities held at the Brea and Yorba Linda Senior Centers. The best years of her life were probably spent playing ping pong and sitting in chairs within those buildings. Darlaine didn’t care much for Bingo but went anyway.

Darlaine was preceded in death by her beloved dogs, Lucy, Marshall and Einstein, her son, Charles Alan Hayford, and her primo ex-husband That Son-of-a-Bitch. Still in the game is daughter Kim Smith, married to Dan Smith, and granddaughters (*college graduates) Emily and Noelle Smith. Darlaine was beloved and information about a memorial will be posted at Darlaine Mae Caraisco | Home (dignitymemorial.com).

*See above, re pearls of wisdom, the first of which is “go to college so that you have more choices than I did.” Related: “You can fall in love with a rich man just as easily as a poor one,” and “you clean a house starting at the top and then work down.”

The family will have a memorial gathering at Darlaine's home on Sunday, July 14, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friends are welcome to drop by for lunch and to share memories. Please contact Kim for the address, which will also be available at the Yorba Linda Senior Center.